Talks
continue between EMU, faculty union

YPSILANTI -- Negotiators for Eastern Michigan University
and the EMU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors
(EMU-AAUP) met throughout the evening Monday in an effort to resolve
outstanding contract issues.

Talks
are expected to resume later today. The contract between the University
and its faculty union expires at midnight today.

“It’s
clear that this dispute is not about quality education or fewer faculty – this
is about money,” said Pamela Young, EMU spokesperson. “It’s
disappointing that the union’s representatives continue to make
unrealistic demands at the table. The union’s latest proposal
would cost the University more than $7 million over the next two years.
It is important to remember that our revenues come from state appropriations
and from student tuition and fees. Without an increase in either of
those sources, EMU does not have the funds to meet their demands.”

The
AAUP has proposed an across-the-board increase of 3.75 percent in year
one and 3.90 percent in year two; a salary differential pool of $125,000
in year one; $2,200 per credit hour for teaching continuing education
courses (a 100 percent increase); and free REC/IM memberships.

EMU
has proposed an across-the-board increase of 2.65 percent in year one
and 2.35 percent in year two; a salary differential pool of $125,000
in year two; and an increase to $1,175 per continuing education credit
hour in 2004-05 and to $1,200 per credit hour in 2005-06. The average
across-the-board increase for faculty at other Michigan public universities
this year is 2.45 percent. EMU’s six other bargaining units averaged
2.0 percent increases.

“The University remains committed to achieving a fair and equitable
contract,” Young said. “Our freshmen class has moved in,
and our classes begin tomorrow at 8 a.m.”

Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive
university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions.
EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences
to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.